The Joburg Property Company (JPC) has welcomed the arrest of former attorney Peet Viljoen, describing it as a major breakthrough in a fraud investigation linked to the alleged illegal transfer and sale of 33 City of Johannesburg-owned properties worth millions of rand.
Viljoen, 57, appeared briefly in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in connection with an alleged R100-million property fraud scheme involving municipal-owned properties. He was arrested by the Hawks shortly after landing at OR Tambo International Airport on June 16 following his deportation from the United States.
The matter was postponed to June 26 for a formal bail application, with the State indicating that it intends to oppose bail.
The JPC said the arrest marks a significant development in a matter that has remained under investigation for more than a decade and reflects ongoing efforts to hold those implicated in the alleged abuse of public assets accountable.
The charges stem from allegations that dozens of municipal properties were unlawfully transferred and sold without the city receiving payment, resulting in substantial financial losses. Investigators allege forged documents were used to facilitate the transactions, while some properties were later sold to unsuspecting buyers.
